Originally Posted by
drz
The only caveat I have heard about any risks from massage is possible injury to tendons or skin if massage was too aggressive while on high dosage of pred and also some antibiotic. The other meds for Wegs are rather quickly excreted from the body and don't build up anywhere. They also become inert rather quickly as they have a short half life so there is no chance of having an adverse reaction to the meds we take for Wegs except for Pred that can weaken skin and tendons at higher dosages. Your skin can become so thin it might tear from a vigorous massage at the high dosages of Pred. Another myth that was promoted for awhile by the massage businesses years ago was that it could help or increase your immune system but all my medical sources and massage therapists tell me this is not true so not to worry. Massages can and do increase circulation and relax your muscles which is generally good for us.
Just a note about massage in general. Deep tissue massages do release more toxins into the blood stream. Personally I detox for 3 days after a deep tissue massage and don't recommend that route. It feels good while getting it, but watch out. For anyone with a chronic illness that is not accustomed to deep tissue I recommend not starting them now. As nice medium to firm pressure will provide you with deep relaxation and release toxins at a much slower rate. Anyone on medication should inform their therapists what they are taking especially if it's prednisone or a blood thinner. Massage therapists should be trained to know the contraindications that go along with massage if you give them the information they need to make an informed decision.
You are correct that the industry, massage therapists and medical professionals used to say that massage was contraindicated in someone with a compromised immune system or actively on chemotherapy drugs. The thought process behind this was the massage increases the lymph circulation and it was felt that active disease could spread this way. A couple of years ago this changed and it is no longer contraindicated.
Elderly people with thin skin and easy bruising should also avoid deep tissue massage for the same reasons. If you're on the above meds you are a double whammy target. As you stated massages are a wonderful tool to make you feel better and that is, after all, our collective goal.
PS I've been a massage therapist for 12 years.
PPS Didn't mean to high jack the thread. Back to regular programming now.
Last edited by windchime; 12-02-2013 at 01:32 AM.
Cindy
Earth is just a stopover and whatever you achieve there is only a small part of the deal. The Afterlife Of Billy Fingers
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